5 Popular Wheat Penny Error Coins

Wheat cents, which were last made in 1958, show the familiar image of President Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat, signifying prosperity, on the reverse.

While tens of millions of these Lincoln wheat pennies were made without flaw from 1909 to 1958, there were several which ended up with errors that eventually turned them into valuable and sought-after collectibles.

5 Lincoln Wheat Penny Error Coins

Coin collectors love error coins — they, after all, are proof in the pudding that even the United States Mint isn’t always perfect!

Beyond imperfections, though, something that makes error coins so valuable is that they’re often quite scarce.

Now, for all intents and purposes, there is some disagreement about what exactly makes an error coin.

Some suggest that any modification to the die that was unintentional is an error; others call these varieties. Those which call die modifications errors normally restrict the term error to coins that were misstruck.

For the purpose of this article, I’ll refer to errors as any coin that was either misstruck or the result of a die that was modified with inadvertent results.

1922 Plain Cent

For the only time during the Lincoln cent series, Denver was the only mint to strike pennies. However, debris collecting in the mintmark of a worn die caused the U.S. Mint to attempt repairing the die with abrasives. The process essentially removed any trace of the D mintmark on some coins.

It was automatically assumed by many that the brand new 1922 pennies without mintmarks were made in Philadelphia. When the United states Mint confirmed that the Denver mint was the only facility that year to strike pennies, the 1922 plain error was born.

While error coins aren’t usually included in standard coin albums and coin books, a hole for the 1922 plain cent is usually a customary addition because it was long assumed by many coin collectors that the 1922 plain cent was the Philadelphia version of the 1922 issue. In fact, many people held it aside for that very reason.

Of the 4 types, the most desired 1922 cent is the 1922 No-D strong reverse (also called die pair #2). This variety costs around $700 in grades of Good; prices easily climb into the $1000s for coins in lesser states of wear.

This hot little error coin quickly was discovered by numismatists in the day. Ever since, the demand for this coin has been through the roof. A doubled die is caused not by doubling on the die of the coin — not doubling of the strike.

Because of that several thousand 1955 doubled die cents managed to escape into circulation.

The 1955 doubled die penny is sometimes included in Lincoln cent collections, though it’s not necessary as it is not considered a regular-strike variety. Still, many coin collectors want an example of this error in their collection and won’t mind paying the $1,500+ for a specimen in Very Fine or better.

1943 Copper Penny

OK, so here it is: it’s not the 1943 silver penny or 1943 steel penny (both are the same coin, but many people mistake the steel for silver) but, rather the 1943 copper penny that’s so rare and valuable!

The simple test is that, if your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s not a bronze penny and, therefore, not rare. However, if your coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s worth getting authenticated to see if it’s the real deal.

About 40 of the 1943 bronze pennies were struck by accident; presumably, some copper planchets were left behind in reserves and were fed into the presses.

The 1943 copper penny is much more valuable than the 1909-S VDB penny. Even back in 1981, a 1943 bronze cent sold for $10,000! Today, these coins routinely bring in over $100,000.

1944 Steel Penny

Just as some 1943 cents were accidentally struck in copper, some 1944 pennies were made with zinc-coated steel, just like most 1943 pennies.

Grade dictates how much each 1944 steel cent sells for, though minimum values range right around $30,000. In 2008, a 1944-S steel cent in gem uncirculated sold for $374,000, making it the most valuable Lincoln cent ever sold at the time.

1959-D Lincoln Wheat Cent

Remember how we said the Lincoln wheat cent was made from 1909 to 1958? True, those are the official years of production. But there appears to have been an error of some sort that resulted in the striking of a very tiny number of 1959-D wheat pennies.

While the Lincoln Memorial appeared on Lincoln cents from 1959 through 2008, these 1959-D Lincoln wheat pennies have been a curiosity for quite some time.

Though their authenticity has been questioned by more than a few individuals, the Secret Service has confirmed some of these as being real coins.

The origin of the error is presently unknown. What is known, though, is that the 1959-D Lincoln wheat cent has drawn plenty of attention as a true numismatic oddity.

My love for coins and numismatics began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I'm a member of both the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG). I've also been studying meteorology and watching weather patterns for years. I enjoy sharing little-known facts and fun stuff about coins, weather, travel, health, food, and living green.

John I have found these pennies of Lincoln smoking a cigar a pipe also a heart with a baseball player and other pictures stamped on the penny Worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Jake –

You have common types of counterstamped Lincoln cents that were altered by individuals after the coins left the U.S. Mint. They may be worth a small amount 50 cents to $1 or so interested collectors but aren’t at all rare and really have no numismatic value.

Mariarivera34

hello I have a 1943 steel wheat penny i test it with a magnet so does that mean it not worth anything, also i have a 2009 penny with Lincoln’s
life depicts him as a young professional standing in front of the state capitol
building in Springfield.is that worth anything

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

A 1943 steel cent is worth around 25 cents, and your 2009 Lincoln bicentennial cent is worth only face value if worn.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

A 1943 steel cent is worth around 25 cents, and your 2009 Lincoln bicentennial cent is worth only face value if worn.

Adriane

Adriane i have two 1958 pennies how do i find out if they are worth something

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Adriane –

Together, your 1958 cents are worth 5 cents.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Adriane –

Each 1958 cent is worth around 5 cents.

Thanks for your question!

Monica

But, what if the 1958 penny
is wheat and “D”?

http://profile.yahoo.com/RUBAWG3K72TDJS5TKNGJO6R4RI ambar

I have a penny with 194 written on it the last number is missing. It does not stick to a magnet. Could this penny be worth anything, it doesn’t look like the number wore off but was left out.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Ambar,

It’s possible that either your penny was weakly struck or part of the die (the device which strikes the image) was filled,or somebody may have removed the last digit. In either case,there is no added monetary value to your coin.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Ambar,

It’s possible that either your penny was weakly struck or part of the die (the device which strikes the image) was filled,or somebody may have removed the last digit. In either case,there is no added monetary value to your coin.

Trix36

JOSHAU, MY BROTHER FOUND A 14-D PENNY. THE DATE AND MINT CAN BE SEEN ON IT. FRONT IN BETTER CONDITION THAN BACK BUT CAN SEE THE WHEAT STALKS AND WORDING. IT IS ALMOST SMOOTH O0N BACK STILL AS I SAID THE WORDING ,WHEAT STALKS, E.C.T. CAN STILL BE SEEN ALSO SAME WITH THE FRONT ONLY FRONT ISN’T AS SMOOTH. I’VE READ IT IS WORTH UP TO TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS EVEN IN POOR CONDITION, IS THIS TRUE. THANK YOU, BARBARA

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Trix,

Yes, it’s true that a well worn 1914-D Lincoln cent is worth around $150 to $200 (and up), but if your coin is bent, cleaned, has holes, heavy nicks, or other damage, it will be worth much less. Be wary as many pennies that appear to be a 1914-Dare actually fakes. It would be wise to have your coin authenticated to ensure it is the real deal. Here’s some more info on third party coin grading: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/01/slabbed_coins.php

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Ernie,

Such pieces are ordinarily worth around $1 to $2.

Jnasevi

use a magnet.

CarrieG

I have a 1941 penny with a hole where mint mark goes and has lump on opposite side. Is it worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Emc,

Sounds like you 1975 penny may have been altered and that’s why it looks that way. If altered, it has no value.

Bob

i have a 1949 penny and the “4” looks like half the size of the other numbers any info?

i have a 1949 wheat penny and it seems it has a die error strike at the 9 and 4 between 19:49 like theres half of a 9 and half of a 4. thanks, would like to know how much its worth.

David_menzel

i have a 1975 penney that has a heart on it . Is it worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

David,

What you have is a regular 1975 penny that was counterstamped after it U.S. Mint. It doesn’t really have any value besides face value.

Milliearbaugh

I HAVE 2 SILVER DOLLARS THE DATES IS 1887 1896 CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE WORTH

Dr Nsanford

I have a 1977 penny that half of it is stamped the other half is blank[both sides is this way ]is this rare.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Dr. Nsanford –

Sounds like you have an off-center penny. With approximately 50-60 percent off center, your coin is probably worth around $20 to $30.

Cstcareers

I have a wheat penny with one side blank, is it rare?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

CST,

Mint made errors like that are virtually impossible due to the striking process, so it must be a magician’s coin or another type of novelty piece. Such coins really don’t have any numismatic value, but may be worth a few dollars to an illusionist or novelty coin collector.

ppepper

I have 2 roll of wheat pennies dating from 1938 to1958. Do you think there is any value in them. I was about to throw them out.

Hotbrneyes123

dont throw them out!!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Pepper,

A coin dealer will pay about 2 to 3 times face value for rolls of common, worn wheat cents.

Yanna Chris

I have a 1957 d wheat penny that looks silver , I checked it with a magnet but it does’t stick could you plz tell what this could be? Thankyou

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Yanna,

Sounds like somebody plated your one-cent coin in pewter, silver, or perhaps mercury. Such a piece is considered altered and has no extra value over face.

Hotbrneyes123

i have a 1944 d wheat penny and a 1941 wheat penny.. how much r they worth?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Each is worth 5 cents.

Bradley is awesome

i have a 2009 log cabin coin and a 1957 wheat back coin. how much r they

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Bradley,

Your 2009 cent is worth face value, while the 1957 Lincoln cent is worth around 3 to 5 cents.

mitch

i have a 1954 wheat penney with a messed up date is it rare the 9 is blotted.

Cameron

i have a 1993 penny that is completely gold in color, i fond it a few years ago and now im looking at my coins again

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Cameron,

It’s great to hear you’ve found a renewed interest in coins! Your 1993 one-cent coin may be gold colored due to a chemical reaction, or perhaps somebody gold-plated it after it left the mint. Either way, while it really has no numismatic value in the monetary sense, it is still an interesting find wort holding on to!

Cameron

OK i have another question- do you know anything about Chinese coins? if you do i can describe them for you. I have Googled them(I think they might be counterfeit) and i have only been able to find 2 out of 7.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Cameron –

While we are not experts on Chinese coins, perhaps we can help you find the info you need if you post a pic of the coins you are curious about here and we can help in researching them for you.

Guest

i found a penny that is normal in the front but weird in the back it the words look normal but there is a building with a man standing there?? Is it worth anything?

Brandon

that is a 2009 Lincoln memorial coin, worth face value.

Annajessica1

i have a 1969 penny is it worth anything

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Anna,

A worn 1969 Lincoln cent is worth face value.

Christy cridlebaugh

i have a double head lincoln penny. one side is 1961, the other is 1962. how do i find out if it’s worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Christy,

Such a piece is actually made up by an individual who fused two Lincoln cents together; such a mint error isn’t possible. A novelty coin like that may be worth a couple dollars to a collector interested in such curiosities.

I h.ave a 1909 lincolin head that is only struck on the one side does anyone know about this penny?.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

George,

Your coin isn’t an actual error but, rather, a novelty coin of some sort – most likely part of an illusionist’s gaffe piece. Such pieces don’t really have much monetary value; perhaps it’s worth a couple dollars to somebody who collects such pieces.

http://www.facebook.com/joyconway80 Joy Conway

Hi I have several wheat pennies my friend said to clean the with orange juice. How much how I hurt the value of my coins? I also have a 1985 lincon penny and he’s nose has what looks like extra metal on it, there is what looks like a small hole on the rim by liberty and on the back there is a hole in the stairs is this worth any thing? ty

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Joy –

Don’t clean them! Doing so will hurt the value by as much as 50 percent or more and will ruin perfectly good coins. The holes in the case of the 1985 Lincoln cent renders the coin damaged and thus, only worth face value.

http://www.facebook.com/joyconway80 Joy Conway

I also have a 1941 wheat penny that the one wasn’t struck hard enough which I clean with the oj any ideals about value?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Joy -‘

Without seeing the coin it’s hard to say if it is just circulation wear or a misstrike that would cause the weak image, but at any rate the coin is likely worth only 2 or 3 cents, especially because of the cleaning.

Ricky Thomas88

I have a 1972 D penny with in god we trust double die what is it worth

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Ricky,

There is no known doubled die on the 1972-D penny, only the 1972 Philadelphia (no mintmark) cent. Your coin likely has the double image as a result of machine doubling and has little if any extra value over face.

It sounds like your 1953-D Lincoln cent was probably coated in mercury, silver, or pewter, which makes it an altered coin. Such pieces are really only worth face value.

Rockonmetaljewelry

I have a 1920 Lincoln Cent that has a “LARGE” # 2 stamped on the reverse. It pretty much covers the entire back of coin..If anybody can tell me any information about this coin would be greatly appreciated.

Jm

I have a 1973 penny with a smaller Kennedy face above the year facing president Lincoln. Is this
something that was engraved as an afterthought?

I got a 1909 S Wheat penny, you can clearly see the S and V.D.B. . Very nice shape, just wondering, how much its worth?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Coin Finder,

Assuming it’s authentic, that’s a terrific find! Value start at a minimum of $950-$1,000 for 1909-S VDB cent in a grade of Good-4 that is undamaged and not cleaned and go up from there.

Soph

i have this nickel in which the minting mark is on top of the building on the back side instead of the front next to Jefferson or whoever is supposed to be on it. Any idea how much it is worth? My dad thinks 40 cents…..

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Soph –

What year is your nickel?

Soph

I also have this wheat penny that is so worn down all i can see is: Lincoln’s head, barely the word liberty, the wheat, and the words one cent. Even what i can see is barely readable. It is also ALOT lighter than a regular penny (a regular wheat head). I am seriously puzzeld by wen it is from.

John S

I have a 1934 US penney that has no back, It is hollow in back, with a normal front. Does this coin have any value? Thanks

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, John –

Sounds like your 1934 Lincoln cent was altered to become an illusionist’s coin; such a piece really has no monetary value to coin collectors.

Mike

What is the rarest or most valuable coin from 1977

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Mike –

Great question, though there really are no coins from 1977 (at least from the United States) that could be considered rare, per se. If you are looking to buy 1977 coinage in commemoration of a special event, you might want to buy a 1977 U.S. proof set. These cost around $5 to $10 and feature the one cent coin, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar coin in a special, mirror0like finish with high-quality strike. Here’s some more info on proof sets: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/02/mint_sets_proof_sets.php

jessica

i have a 1927 wheat back penny with no mint stamp and like 3 other year wheat backs without mint stamps as well

Wayne

There was an estate sale of an old ‘error coin’ guy who died, whose collection was distributed on eBay. I made a few small bids as a kind of curious investment gamble and won some error pennies without knowing what the descriptions on the coins labels mean. The seller did not know their meaning either, and the owner who wrote them is dead. The labels & tape on the sealed rolls is VERY old, so I know these are not a scam of anyone recently. Since I’m unfamiliar with error coins enough to know which is the best book or resource to turn to for figuring out if what I bought was pure junk or something of worth, what do you think the following terms mean?
1) 1968-S BU Lincoln Cracked Skull
2) 1968-S BU Doubled Reverse L7B
3) 1965 BU Spiked Head
4) 1963-D BU Lincoln Cracked Skull, Barker, 63DP 19
5) 1963-D BU Lincoln Rev DB + Mound in field / East of Vru?? (last word unreadable)
6) 1960-D SD Unc Fidoes
7) 1958-P BU Ghost of Lincoln
8) 1956 Upper 1/2 BIE, DC VDB – Rim
9) 1955/5 and 1953/3
10) 1953-S AU Lincoln Ghost
11) 1954-S Low 5 1/4 fill – VF+ – DB’s 1 and 9, S touches 5
12) 1951-S, 1937, 1918, and 1923 Fidoes
I’m most curious about the term ‘Ghost’ because I cannot see a ghost, but then again my eyes aren’t so good… Thanks in advance for anyone’s help with these.

Suprman71

I recently found a rather odd 1984 Lincoln cent that had small round circles, most with hollow cores, on both obverse and reverse of coin with no particular pattern or uniformity. Has anyone else came across one of these yet? I have yet to gain a clue to what these random. “crop circles”could possibly be. HELP!!!!

BittyBit

I have a 1941 Wheat penny that does not stick to a magnet. What does this mean and is it worth anything??

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Bitty –

A 1941 Lincoln cent is worth around 5 cents. Your does not stick to a magnet because it is made of copper, which is not a magnetic metal.

ART

Hi my friend I have a question is 1944 D over D penny has a good value?It is graded EF 45 by ANACS. Thank you Art

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Art –

Are you referring to the 1944 D over S (1944D/S) Lincoln cent?

Art

My friend and one more thing, How much approximately will be No date 1 cent type 2 blank weight 3.12 grams lincoln cent. Thanks Art

Roman K

I have one cent gold tinted of 1962… What is the reason of that? What it means?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Roman –

Your 1962 Lincoln cent was likely gold-plated by somebody who finds that year particularly special for some reason. The value of the gold is nominal – likely under 50 cents to $1.

Michele

I have an1904 Indian head wheat penny without any stamp on it. Is it worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Michele –

Your 1904 Indian Head cent is worth around $2 to $3 if it’s in typical, worn condition.

lynn

i have a 1944 steel penny it sticks to a magnet the bank gave me a roll of pennies and it was full of wheat pennies from 1910 to 1958 i have 50 of them in total but one sticks to a magnet are they worth much

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Lynn,

What is the weight of your coin? If it’s more than a bout 3.1 grams, it has been coated with a magnetic metal; 3.1 grams, by the way, is the weight of a normal copper Lincoln cent.

greg

i have a 1811 penny but cant find any were to sell it for what its worth

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Based on condition, your 1811 large cent is worth anywhere from $30 to over $500.

I have a 1941 wheat penny that has an error its missing some letters in the saying united states of america

LMH

I have a penny that has two lincolns mirrored, two “In God We Trust” and two different dates. One is 1953 D and the other is 1945 D (mirrored). This penny also does not have a back on it. It is slightly larger than a normal penny. Does it have any value?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

LMH,

This is an illusionist’s coin; it is strictly a novelty coin and really has no monetary value to most coin collectors.

aaron

i have a 1927d wheat penny in perfict condition and a 1928d wheat penny also in perfict condition are they worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Aaron,

Your 1927-D and 1928-D Lincoln cents are worth around 15 to 20 cents each is they are in nice, but worn condition.

Mike B

I have a 1910 D penny with the Lincoln Memorial on the other side

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Mike,

This is a novelty coin of some sort and has no monetary value to most coin collectors.

Ghashi

Hi I found a 1949 penny with a straight nine in the second nine. Every other 1949 I have the nine curves under. It’s almost like the back side of a 7 but more straight down like a 1. Has anyone else seen one similar? Could it be worth more than a couple cents?

Ohio Tom

I have a 1939 that has the same variation. The second 9s leg doesn’t curve – it’s straight like a 7, but I can’t find report of this variation anywhere. Is it a strike error?

http://www.facebook.com/randy.clower.9 Randy Clower

I have a 1961 dime that I believe is silver can you tell me the value of it?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Randy –

Your 1961 Roosevelt dime is indeed silver and worth around $3.

http://www.facebook.com/scottish5150 Scott Kerr

i have a penny 1955 the one cent side is up side down from the face on other side is it worth anything

grnys

1943/wheat/steel/i/have/41/of/them/are/they/worth/anything

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Grnys,

Each of your 1943 steel cents is worth around 10 to 25 cents.

Donna

I have a 1960 & 1960-D Penney where they both have small zeros ….anything?

Wahyu NHK

I have 1959-D and 1959 and 1944 no stell how much are they ?

linda

Hav a yr fourtysomething wheat penny, wat I do

ricky jozwiak

i have a 1964 silver dime no mint mark is that normal. i also have a few wheat pennys and in the phrase in god we trust u can clearly see that the E in we is set lower than the rest of the letters also both Ts in trust one is set lower one is set higher but both of them are to small compared to the rest of the letters are these worth any thing.thanks

http://www.facebook.com/dbhan13 Dave Hanbury

how can you tel a reversed memorial or reversed wheat penny from a regular penny?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Dave –

The simplest way to tell a Lincoln wheat cent from a Lincoln Memorial cent is by checking the date. Wheat cents were made from 1909 through 1958; Memorial cents were struck from 1969 through 2008.

I have a 1958 D penny with the “1” looking like it’s mirror image. Another words the ones are normally just straight vertical strokes, my number one looks like “1”, except the curved part of the one at the top is pointed in the opposite direction. Is this a misprint, is it worth anything?

Thanks,

http://www.facebook.com/micheal.stewart.9809 Micheal Stewart

i have a 1917 wheat penny , a 1942 dime and i have 2 1959 denver minted licoln wheat pennies are they worth anything ?

http://www.facebook.com/micheal.stewart.9809 Micheal Stewart

i have a 1946 dime i have two 1959 denver minted lincoln wheat pennies and a 1917 wheat penny are they worth anything?

CuriousChell

I have a 1914 wheat penny, but it has no D…or is worn? How else would I be able to tell if it is the rare one? Of since I can’t tell about the D, is it worth anything extra w/o the D? Thanks in advance!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Curious –

A 1914 Lincoln cent without the “D” (Denver) is a coin that was made at the Philadelphia mint (which does not put a mintmark on one-cent coins). A 1914 is not the rarest variety of the date and is, in fact, the most common. However, it’s still worth 50 cents to $1.

http://www.facebook.com/kristy.appel Kristy Appel

I have a penny that I think is zinc and it is marked 194 abd there looks ike a number or something under the liberty is it valuable or just a flaw?

BLFO.LATINO1962

hi, i found a 1923-s lin. whty., good condition, the mint mark is tripled (-s-), the first one is faded,the second is the mint mark,the third is more visible then the first, checked under micro., still wondering if it`s me?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi,

Would you please post a picture of this coin here in the forum so we can see what’s going on? It may be some type of variety or it could have been altered. Thanks!

Angela Thomas

I have a 1953 wheat back penny that looks to be mis-struck. …it is shiny like a dime and also the “silver” color…on the side though you can see the copper..And it is heavier then a regular penny….Any ideas on what I have here … Thank you, Angela

http://www.facebook.com/robert.wirthlin Robert Wirthlin

I have a 1974 penny with the back of the penny is parcialy stamped over lincoln face i have tried to find a valu and cant find anything cananyone help give me some insite on this.

http://www.facebook.com/robert.wirthlin Robert Wirthlin

I have a 1974 penny with the the back stamped on lincoln face any idea on how i can fiind how rear and valu on it

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Robert,

You may have a coin that resulted due to a die clash, when both the obverse and reverse dies come together by accident because there wasn’t a blank coin (called a planchet) between them. What then happens is the dies imprint images on each other, and then coins struck by these damaged dies show images of both the front and back designs. A Lincoln cent such as yours could be worth between $5 and $10.

Alicia crew

I have a wheat penny that has the wheat stamp on both sides but I cannot find a date on it either…

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Alicia –

It sounds like you have a type of novelty coin that was made by an enterprising individual who slathered together two reverse sides of real Lincoln wheat cents and made a coin out of it. These usually serve as gag pieces and illusionists’ coins.

justin magnan

hello i have pennies from the year 1941 to 1960 could you please give me a general idea of how much i could sell them for thanks

Janelle Square

I have a coin collection of liberty head dimes dating from 1917-1945. Approx. 56 of them total. How can I determine if these are of value.

I have a 1944 wheat penny with a flaw where there should be a mint mark. Is this common or something to look into?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Savitri –

May we see a picture of your coin so we can better judge what may be going on? Thanks!

nate

i have a 1944 wheat on the back how much is it

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Nate –

A 1944 Lincoln cent is worth around 5 cents.

Enlightened33

Hi Joshua,
I have a collection of wheat pennies that passed down to me after my father passed this year. He had a great love for collecting coins. When I was a child, I used to give him rare coins that I would come across as well because I knew he loved them so much. After reading your blog, I looked through the wheat pennies and discovered that I have 3 wheat pennies with the year 1944. One of the pennies have a letter beheath the year which looks like an “s”. How can I find out if this is a steel 1944 wheat penny; as well as find out the value for it? Thank you for your expertise!

http://www.facebook.com/christy.bode Christy Bode

I have a 1914 Wheat Penny in average circulated condition….looks very good! Exciting!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Christy –

A 1914 wheat cent is worth between 25 cents and $1 in average circulated condition. Nice find!

http://twitter.com/gingerBREADspot Katy Lukens

I have a 1944 with no mint marker penny, a couple 1969 pennies, the first one the mint marker looks like just a dot and the other there is no mint marker, a couple 1959 pennies, one is a denver mint and the other doesn’t have one. I also have a 1972 where it looks slightly doubled around the chest area and the face, and also a 84 where the ear looks possibly doubled. Then I have a 1941, 1918, and a 1997 no mint marker that looks like the nose is larger. can you tell me if any are worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Katy –

Your 1918 Lincoln cent is worth around 20 cents while your 1918, 1941, and 1944 Lincoln cents are each worth around 3 to 5 cents. Except for the 1972 and 1984 possible doubled die Lincoln cents, the rest that you listed are worth face value.

Now, if your 1972 Lincoln cent is a doubled die, it is worth around $180 to $200, while the 1984 Lincoln cent, if doubled, is worth around $75 to $100.

For more information about the value of your Lincoln cents, check out these pages:

I have found a wheat back penny that is a 1953 looks like its is steel it has a rime around the coin with no groves in it any one with info let me know thanks all so no mint mark

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Edward,

It sounds like you have a pewter-coated Lincoln cent that was once incorporated into a piece of jewelry.

Damon

i have a 1984 silver colored lincoln penny. does it have any value?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Damon –

It’s possible that your 1984 Lincoln cent was stripped of its outer copper layering. If this is a due to a mint error, it’s worth around $50 to $100, but if it is caused by a common science experiment in which chemicals are used to remove copper from the coin. A coin dealer or a coin authentication expert could determine if your coin’s silver color (actually zinc, if an error) was mint caused or the result of a science experiment.

I have a lincoln wheat penny, the third number in the printed date is missing and it has no mint mark, is this penny worth anything? also a 1953 wheat penny D

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Kellie –

It’s quite common for a digit in the date of an older coin like yours to have either been struck by a filled or weak die or intentionally removed by a bored individual. It’s hard to say without seeing the coin which of the two cases it was. If you don’t see any scratches or gouges in the area of the missing digit, it’s likely that the culprit was a filled die. In that case, your coin would have a nominal value over face and would likely be an item of interest to a collector of error coins.

Your 1953-D Lincoln cent is worth around 3 to 5 cents.

Teresa Sandler

I have a 1953 S Wheat Penny that the top of the 9 is filled in (like a bubble)… is this an error coin and how much would it be worth?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Teresa –

This was probably caused by a die issue; these types of errors can be worth from roughly $5 to $10 or more based on the grade of the coin.

I have a 1958 d penny and it looks normal except the date. The 1 is actually a 1 and not a straight line and it is backwards. I can’t find any information about this type of error, if it is an error. Any ideas?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, dimestore –

Hmm… Hard to say without seeing your coin in this case. Would you mind posting a photo here in the comments forum? Thanks!

i have a 1952 D mint penny which looks normal but then i also have one of the same but on this one the mint mark is touching the bottom of the number 5. the date and the mint are closer together than on the other. would this be considered an error? and if so whats the value of this coin?

Kevin Offerosky

I have a 1943 steel penny that is missing the 4! The other numbers are perfectly clear. Was this a very common ? Is it worth much? I would appreciate any info, I have not done the magnet test yet…thanks.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Kevin –

It sounds like your coin was either weakly struck or perhaps altered by somebody outside of the U.S. Mint. Such a coin isn’t really worth more than usual (about 10 cents to a dollar) but is definitely a spectacle to hold in the hand.

Kevin Offerosky

Thank you for your reply, just have to add, when looking at it thru a loop you can see the 4 was never struck, the 1 9. & 3 are sharp, with the zink plating having the same surface including where the 4 should of been.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Kevin –

Thanks for the follow-up info; perhaps you could provide a photo here in the forum so we can take a closer look. You may have a coin that was struck by a filled die.

Kevin Offerosky

This is about as detailed as I can make it. Thanks again for your response.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Kevin,

Thank you for the detailed photo. It looks like the “R” in “LIBERTY” may be pretty soft, too. Given the coin seems to have a little corrosion (which is usually the case with worn steel cents, since the metal is highly prone to rusting), it is difficult to tell if that may have had any influence on the appearance of the absent-looking “4” in the date. Though, I think it is possible that it may not have been struck at all due to a filled die, this opinion absent my checking the coin out with a 10X loupe. I believe if the filled die is the case, your coin may be worth a slight premium, perhaps a couple dollars.

Nicole R. Case

I have about 20 something 1943 steel pennies,,and the date shows,,, 194 …I used a magnifier with a light,,compared it to the rest of the pennies,,theres just no 3 on it,,not worn either in my opinion because the 194 are clearly seen, risen and no flaw where it should be, also,,theres no T at the end of trust. IN GOD WE TRUS … I’ve been on the computer now for a few hrs.seeking info.about this particular 194 (1943) penny. glad to see someone else has wonders. any more info?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Nicole –

Without seeing a photo of the coin it is hard to say for certain, but I would suggest that the cause of the missing “3” may be an overly worn die. That would result in an absent “3” without any evident tampering being seen on that area of the coin. Such a piece could be worth a few dollars to Lincoln cent enthusiasts, particularly those who are concerned with varieties.

Kevin Offerosky

Hi again, I have an old penny, possibly 1700s, its 1 1/4 wide with possibly George Washington on the front and seated liberty? On the back, any words or date have been worn off, it also has a stitch type pattern rolled into the edge, it appears to be either copper or bronze, any info would help, thanks.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Kevin –

It’s hard to say without seeing the piece if it is a coin or token or whether or not is even American. If you could please post a photo of it here in the comments forum that would be most helpful. Thanks!

kman0313

Hey I have a 1877 trade dollar, I had it appraised at $10,000 the first time then the second guy said it was only worth about $10 it is in very good condition.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Kman –

The only reason I think you got those disparate remarks is because the first appraiser must have estimated the coin to be in Prof condition; the second must have believed it to be a replica. You could either get a third or fourth appraisal and/or consider getting your coin authenticated by a third-party coin grader. Here’s more info: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/01/slabbed_coins.php

Shannon Tandy

The other day I found a 1968 D penny in a roll it seems to have some strange qualities however… On the obverse side the portrait of
Lincoln is raised quite a bit more than usual, on the reverse side there
is a very clear indentation exactly where the portrait of Lincoln is on
the obverse side. I’m curious as to why this may be or if its been seen commonly before?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Shannon,

The relief on the Lincoln cents of the late 1960s was very high as compared to many other dates of Lincoln cent. This is usual and is simply a noted variation among the many dies used to strike Lincoln cents over the years.

james center

i have a 1910 penny with no reverse stamp is it worth any thing?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, James –

You mean the reverse is blank, no wheat ears or lettering at all? If that is the case, then your coin was altered in some way as that type of error would have been virtually impossible to have happened, given minting methods of the time.

Athena

Hello I have a 1917 wheat penny on the front side there is no Li in Liberty a black line that goes from the front and onto the back of the penny and the E-PLURIBUS-UNUM part of it looks in graved. Also on both sides of the penny the images look shadowed. I also have a 1944 that is different in color. what do you think the prices of the two pennies be and where can I sell them?

angie

Hi I have a 1972 with what appears to be the “D” mint mark on Lincoln’s cheek. Just wondering if it’s worth more than a .. penny?

angie

1972 penny

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Angie –

It sounds like somebody counterstamped your coin. This would be considered an altered coin and not worth more than face value.

Krystal Maloney

Hello, I found a wheat penny that is blank on the head side. Therefore no year is listed. It was with a collection of several other coins between 1914 and 1960…The blank side is completely smooth, no rim. The side with the wheat appears pretty clean.

Codie Winbigler

Hi,

This penny is a 1988 D. But the “D” is very high relief.
Is it worth much?

Michael Norris

Good evening Mr. Hernandez,
I was looking through some pennies and have some unique items. Specifically this 1941 penny which seems to have a steel casing around the copper body. I used a magnet to test the casing and it is definitely metal, but the body appears to be copper as I tested the magnet on the body and no reaction.

Would the mint have accidently put a steel casing on a copper penny or is this something after the mint?
I was curious as it was unique with a few copies of steel 1943 pennies.
Thanks.
Michael

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Michael –

It looks like your coin was formerly a component of some type of jewelry – probably a key chain or necklace. Unfortunately the ring would have caused some inadvertent damage to the coin, and it is worth a few cents, but is still a really neat piece to hang on to because of its age.

Michael Norris

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Wesley Ralston

Hey Joshua,

I have a 1966 Lincoln cent with the number “7” clearly struck on the coin’s edge. The size & font appear identical to the “7” found on the 1967 Lincoln cent and, if the coin is held obverse side up and thought to represent a watch face with the 1966 date at an approximate 4:00 position, the “7” appears inverted around the 5:00 position, again struck on the penny’s edge. Any guidance you could provide re: rarity & potential value would be most helpful. I appreciate your time and insight.
Wes

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Wesley –

While we will absolutely be glad to double check with use of a photo (which you can post here in the comments section), it sounds like your coin was counterstamped after it had left the mint. In that case, the coin was altered.

Bryan

Hello! I was hoping you could help me…I have a near ms65 1917 wheat cent. The reverse is all but missing the first S in States and the bottom left leg of the R in America below that. Could you please help me with what I am dealing with here? Thanks so much!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Bryan –

At first I was inclined to say that you may have a weakly struck example of a 1917 Lincoln wheat cent, but what I want to see are two things: what type of grading company labeled that coin (if at all) and the nature of the surface metal around the “S” and “R.” If you could post a pic of the coin that would be most excellent. Thanks!

bryce

i have just found a 1942 WHEATBACK PENNY That has no mint Mark and the L in LIBERTY looks like it was to close to the rim and the mint altered the,” Font” of the L,,for it is not as thick a “font” and even the,” E”,in Liberty looks off-set from the rest of the letters,,like it just did not fit the coins and they adjusted it.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Bryce,

I have seen several Lincoln wheat cents where there appear to be slight variances in the distance between lettering and such. If you would like to submit a photo here to the comments forum so we can check for sure that would be fine. Otherwise, I believe you have a “normal” 1942 Lincoln wheat cent that is worth around 5 cents.

Andre

Hi, I have a 1965 with a D printed under the year date ,
Wheat penny , need some help with authenticity . Any help will be appreciated .

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Andre –

Would you mind posting a photo of this coin so I can further verify the nature of the coin and hopefully help verify its authenticity? Thank you!

Chuck Benedon

I have three pennies with double hair lines on the forehead. I know it’s not a known variety, but I have THREE. Thinking about sending them in to PCGS, but worry about the cost of finding out it won’t be enough to create a variety. I can send pics…..

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Chuck –

Yes, please, photos are always very helpful in these situations! Thank you.

Chuck Benedon

Ok. Will do. Sent one off to pcgs to see what they say. Won’t know for three weeks or so. Tomorrow, if it doesn’t get nuts, ill post a couple pics. Thanks.

Melissa Forbes

I have a 1972 D penny that has the Lincoln Memorial on the back with a partial Lincoln memorial a cross it. Is it worth anything or do you think it has been tampered with.

Melissa Forbes

I am not great with computers and am attempting to upload photo

Melissa Forbes

After seeing this up close my husband said it looked tampered with so he put the penny in a glass of coke i will upload new pic of penny. it still looks authentic to me.

Randa

Hey there people,
I have a 1953 D wheat penny that is magnetic, and I am not sure if it is on a different planchet, or if it is even worth anything. Any help woould be greatly appreciated, Thanks

Mrsb Birsen

i have a 1952 d penny. The side with Lincoln is the only side that has been pressed. The reverse side is totally blank. Could you estimate how much it is worth please?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello,

It sounds like your 1952-D Lincoln cent has been altered, as it is virtually impossible, due to modern striking processes, for a coin to be struck on just one side. The value of your coin may be a couple dollars to those interested in novelty coins. Thanks for your question!

Joe Stratton

I have A 1955 penny that has a slanted I in the word united .it looks like its almost connected to the N. Have you ever heard of this? Also I have a 45 penny that appears to have an extra leaf on the back..Thanks for any help

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Joe –

May we see images of both coins to help make a determination on what you have? Thank you so much!

Andres Killin

Hi,After sorting huge amount of Lincoln wheat cents,i found one like this.
Is it error coin,the 9 in date is oddly filled but its not DDO

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi Andres,

That is a result of die defect, and in this case would be known as a die cud. Such piece are worth $1 to $2 to collectors interested in error coins.

Andres Killin

Hi Joshua.
Thank you!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

You’re welcome, Andres!

Steven Costa

I have a 1939 s penny that the 3 looks very tiny and the last 9 looks strange. This is the best pic i could get.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi Steven,

It appears as though your 1939-S Lincoln cent sustained some pretty heavy damage in the area near the date, which is evidenced by the scratches and striations in the metal on that part of the coin.

Thanks for your question.

rainsysalas

Hi.Stevennew at this don’t know how to get answer to my question I have a 1944 wheat penny is it worth anything?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Rainy –

A regular 1944 Lincoln cent in worn condition is worth around 10 cents.

rainsysalas

Thank you Joshua any ideas on some pennies to b looking out for?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Rainsysalas –

If you’re looking for tips on what pennies to keep your eye out on, then you’ll find lists (yes, lists – there are MANY to be on the watch for!) here:

I have a 1559 D wheat penny that looks like silver. It does have a scratch and it looks copper under the scratch. Any idea what this is? Thanks.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Yes, Dale! Sounds like your 1959-D penny was coated with metal, most likely pewter or zinc. Coating coins is commonly done by people outside the mint and does not add any value to the coin. Thanks for your question!

Crystal Marcum

I have a 1943 copper penny it passed the magnet test so i took it to a dealer and he ran a few tests on it. the coin passed all the tests except one the composition was copper. could this coin have been pressed on a copper planchet?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Crystal –

So, you mean, your 1943 penny does NOT stick to a magnet? Which one test did it not pass?

It is possible your coin is a copper 1943 cent, but it would be important to determine if it has been altered from a 1948 Lincoln cent or a penny of another date.

1943 copper pennies definitely exist, and it is possible you have one, but it’s important we check off all the authenticity boxes, as you are definitely working on right now.

If you’re inclined, you could send your coin to a reputable third-party coin grader to get another professional opinion.

Yes, your 1958-D Lincoln cent is worth more than 1 cent, but not by much… A typical, worn 1958-D cent has a value of around 5 cents.

Benny Wyant

I have a 1949 D penny, the one in the date is connected to the nine and slants at about a forty five degree angle, any ideas ?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello Benny –

This may be some type of die crack… would you mind posting a photo of your coin here in the comments section, please?

Thank you!

Raliek Paris

Hi, guys I,m new to this can somebody tell me the value of a 1959d ddo Lincoln penny .

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Raliek –

A 1959 doubled die obverse cent is worth around $10 to $20, based on its condition.

Carlos

Hi Joshua, I recently came across a 1953 d Lincoln Penny with an error. The back of the coin reads ” UNITED TATES OF AMERICA” No S. Is it worth anything? Thanks.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Carlos,

It is most likely that somebody removed that “S” to make the motto read something different, which is a common type of post-mint damage. If that is the case (though a photo may help me to determine otherwise), then your coin is worth face value.

Thank you for your question!

Guest

Hope this helps. Thanks.

Carlos

thanks.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Carlos!

It looks like there not only is a missing “S,” but also a very faint “E” in “AMERICA.” Something must have impeded the strike along a vertical orientation – perhaps it was grease in the die. In this case, your coin may have additional value, perhaps anywhere from $5 to $20 or more. I would take this to a coin dealer who specializes in United States coins and, if possible, one well-versed in errors.

Guest

Hi I have 2 pennies I am curious about here, 1 is a 1972 that looks like it was struck 2 times on the rim, now the 2nd is a wheat penny from 1946, the 6 is barely there the i is barely there and if you look at the T it almost looks like a capital I what do you think of these 2 coins? I appreciate your feedback!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Guest!

The 1972-D cent exhibits a common type of machine doubling, and the 1946 cent appears to have been weakly struck in the case of the missing “6” and the “I” in “LIBERTY,” but what I also see is what appears to be doubling in the tail of the “9.” The photo is just a tad blurry; if you wouldn’t mind trying to get a second shot, I’d be glad to take another look and try to confirm if the 1946 cent has any evident doubling (which may explain why the letters in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” look a little thicker than usual).

Guest

1946

Keri Raymer

Hi I have 2 pennies I am curious about here, 1 is a 1972 that looks like it was struck 2 times on the rim, now the 2nd is a wheat penny from 1946, the 6 is barely there the i is barely there and if you look at the T it almost looks like a capital I what do you think of these 2 coins? I appreciate your feedback!

Keri Raymer

Posted my pictures they are not showing???

Keri Raymer

Full picture of 1972

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Keri!

Yes, it looks like the 1972-D was machine doubled, which is a rather common type of phenomenon. If you wouldn’t mind trying to get a slightly clearer picture of your 1946, I might be able to see if there is any doubling on that coin (it appears there may be some in the “9” of the date and in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST but I can’t tell for sure!)

Annie

i have a 1950 S wheat penny in a silver color, I heard this could be a rare error. If you can shed any light I would appreciate it!

Annie

The first 2 pics show the color, the last pic looks more coppery just because of my lighting, but it’s a nicer close up

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Annie –

Back in that era, it was common for many people to coat their pennies with mercury or silver to replicate the appearance of the 1943 steel cent. To be sure, however, you could weigh the coin. If it comes in at around 3.11 grams or a tad more, it is a copper penny with a coating. If it weighs less than 3 grams or more than 3.3 or so, then it’s possible it was struck on the wrong planchet and could be worth more if authentic.

I hope this answer helps! Ask follow-up questions any time you wish.

Annie

Thanks for the response. Took it to my jeweler and they said it weighed over 3 ounces, but I should’ve gotten the exact weight! I thought if it was over 3 it was just a regular penny. I need to get an accurate scale I will let you know if I find out anything cool.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

That sounds good, Annie! Good luck.

Annie

Sorry took a better shot

evalena grubbs

hello, several years ago i found some wheat pennies in an old house, these pennies were shiney like new and on the wheat stalks each individual kernal had a fine hair coming out of it just like real wheat. do you know if this is how newly minted wheat pennies looked? thank you.

Hello, I am not a collector but have a coin that needs to be graded. It is a 1961 D Lincoln Cent. The front is double struck with a Lincoln 1959 D face. The reverse has the 1961 column back also with a 1959 one cent wheat design. It is my understanding the 1959 D wheat penny is odd. Can you help with determining its worth? Thanks JT

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, JT –

Would you mind posting an image of this coin so I can examine it further?

Thanks!

jt

Here is the best I can do for pictures. Thanks Again, JT

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello JT,

Thank you for sending me these images. From what I can tell, somebody hammered a wheat cent onto your 1961-D cent, imparting the double image. I can tell because the wheat design elements are incuse (struck into the coin) instead of raised as they should be on a double-struck coin.

Moreover, such an error would have been virtually impossible at the mint, because Lincoln memorial and wheat dies were not used simultaneously. Even the possibility of an old, finished wheat cent getting fed into the coin press and being struck with a newer design would be ruled out since this coin has incuse wheat elements.

When and exactly how this happened I cannot say, but I do know this is not a mint-made error given the incuse design.

Thank you for your question!
-Josh

jt

Interesting. So, Someone struck a 1959 D on the front and then struck a seperate wheat cent on the back. I have it at ANACS and will let you know there conclusion also. Thank You!

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi JT,

Yes, we’d be interested in finding out what ANACS says about that piece. Thanks for letting us know!

Sarah Bratten

I have found a 1969 S penny that is smaller than normal pennies. Is it counterfeit? It looks authentic apart from the smaller size. Looks like it was minted without an edge.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Sarah – Would you mind submitting a photo of your coin if possible so I can see if it is a damaged coin or one that was struck on the wrong-sized coin blank? Thank you!

Brent rathbun

Can anyone help me please I got a 1953 s mint wheat penny that’s a error the back is up side down

Reyna Renteria

Hello penny without # 1 year 1977 seems like stamp was not completed

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi Reyna,

It’s very possible there was an issue with the die that obscured or weakened the appearance of the “1.” If you wouldn’t mind posting an image of your 1977 cent I may be able to make a better determination and provide some idea as to the coin’s value.

Thank you!

Reyna Renteria

Joshua 1977 penny image

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello Reyna,

It looks like a filled die may have caused the weakness in the “1.” This wouldn’t necessarily mean it’s worth much more, but it is an interesting piece nevertheless and is a prim example of what can happen when grease gets into the dies that stamp the coins.

Thanks for posting those great pics!

Annie Fisher

These are pictures of a Lincoln wheat penny 1956 D. It is among many rolls I found buried under
our kitchen floor (while recently remodeling) of the old home we bought 13 years ago .I was looking for a faint lines of a secondary D below the mint mark and I noticed that the 6 was really weird looking…it kind of overlaps onto its stem Also, the wheat side is rotated about 10-15% off in its proper alignment. Is it counterfeit? Or just a crazy mixed up Abe?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi Annie,

Firstly, how neat is that to find all those rolls of coins under the floor of your kitchen! Some amazing finds are made when people remodel older homes. As for your 1956-D cent, it looks to me like it may have been a die chip that caused that blobby raised metal on the “6” at the meeting of the stem and loop. This is a common problem with 1950s Lincoln cents, and doesn’t normally translate to a higher value, though it still is a nice piece to hang onto as a curiosity.

Thanks for the great photo, and keep on searching! Maybe you’ll find more numismatic treasures inside your home.

Annie Fisher

Thanks, Josh, for your quick response…it is fun…I am getting hooked. Would that die problem explain why the front (oops obverse) line up with the wheat side? It is rotated 10% and if I keep the wheat side level and turn it evenly, Abe is leaning forward quite a bit. Thanks so much again. Annie

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Annie –

So glad you’re getting hooked! That’s what we’re here for! The issue you’re talking about, where Lincoln is leaning forward when you turn the reverse right side up, is called a die rotation error. Especially on older coins, the die rotation would not always be exactly 180 degrees, causing both sides to be slightly off. Unless the die alignment is off be about 20 degrees or more, there is no added value, per se, to a coin where the obverse and reverse aren’t quite lined up properly.

Thanks for your question! If you have any more, please check back at any time.

Allison Howard

I recently came across a 1958D wheat penny silver in color and I need to know if It is rare or valuable,it also has a flaw at bottom on the back of coin.

I am going through my grandparents coin collection that I recently received. I am looking at a 1957 wheat penny with a S mint mark. I cannot find it any book I purchased. It is marked ODD 1957 S in my grandfathers handwriting. I checked it under a 10X loop and it is clear. Has anyone ever heard of this error?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Tammy –

There’s no record of any such coin as a 1957-S penny. I would need to see a picture of the coin to confirm what’s going on, and it may really be an “S” on the coin, but it’s possible that somebody soldered on the “S” mintmark from a San Francisco penny to create a type of fantasy novelty coin.

That’s my theory without seeing the coin, anyway!

I hope this helps. If you would like to post a photo, please feel free to do so here in the comments section.

Tammy W.

The coinis in a plastic/cardboard holder so I hope it’s clear. I do have an upcoming appointment with a dealer, so I’m trying to decide what to take and what to leave home.

Lisa McKenna

I have this same penny. Have you learned anything more?

Tammy W.

Pics didn’t load right. Sorry.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello,

Given the date of the coin and the tilt and location of the mintmark, I’d suggest this coin may have been altered, actually.

The pic is a little fuzzy, but I’m making this out to be a “1958” penny, yet no San Francisco cents were made from 1956 through 1967.

Kelly James McMillin

I am not quite sure if this is a variation of some sort. Is there anyway of telling what this is?

Kelly James McMillin

The pictures did not initially upload.

Jack

This is probably someone stamping the back of a lincoln memorial cent onto a wheat cent.

David Atkinson

Hi. I bought an “unsearched” lot of steel pennies years ago. I went through them and picked out a couple of oddball ones, and was wondering about a few. I do not have pictures as I am at work and found your article, but I think the most peculiar one I have is a steel cent with no reverse. I have yet to see anything online about it so I don’t know if it’s rare or just too common to be special.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, David —

That sounds interesting. While I don’t want to say for certain without seeing a photo (it would be unfair to you for me to make a judgement call on a coin I haven’t seen), I can say that a very large number of coins from that era without an obverse or reverse were often mutilated for jewelry and also to serve as magicians’ “trick” coins.

If you can get a photo up here in the comments section at some point, I’d be glad to check it out and make sure.

Thanks for checking us out!

Edward Mayer

Found 1984 Lincoln penny no copper coating at all either side concerns are it only weighs 2 grams no mint mark non magnetic under extreme magnify there is what looks like silver spots. Could this been struck on a dime blank reg. penny 24mm. one in question is 26mm.both 2 mm thick

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Edward –

Would you please submit a photo of the coin question?

Thank you!
Josh

Bryce Gregory

Hi I have a 1945 D pfenning 50 coin and I can not find it anywhere can some one help me to tell me why ,it is a nazi coin

Steve Varela

I found a 1941 penny that has an extra 1 in the front of 1941 so it looks like 11941. I looked at it under a microscope, and it is the same as the first one. It may be a tad bit thicker, but has anyone seen a penny like that? I have to try to take a better picture of it so that I can show it on here. Any help would be appreciated.

Steve Varela

here is a picture of the 1941 penny

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Steve –

From the photo you provided I can see the “extra 1″ you mention but I think I may need a close-up of that area on the coin, if possible, to make a determination, please.

Thanks for submitting the photo!

Steve Varela

I will try to upload the pictures later today.

Nataly Esparza

Hello ! Question ! My father gave me a 1944 Wheat,Lincoln penny and I want to know if its worth something?

-Nataly

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Nataly —

What a neat gift your dad gave you! While your 1944 Lincoln wheat cent is worth around 5 to 10 cents right now, you’ll still want to hang onto it anyway. Years from now, you’ll be glad to have that neat old coin that your dad gave you!

Best,
Josh

dustin hoffman

what’s going on with my coin on the bottom it seems to have an extra wheat stock that’s inverted and the other two wheat stalks on the bottom are connected

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Dustin —

Based on the photo, it appears to be a die break of some sort. These types of pieces do garner some collector interest and can be worth between $1 ad $3, though often more based on the popularity of the variety.

Nice find!

Pattye Moretti

I have a 1941 wheat penny, thickness of razor blade, weight 1.7g, made on foreign coin planchet. Could u tell me worth please

Rob Gonzo

hello just want to see if some one can give me some info on this penny.
i have many 1961 d penny, but the 1 on the 1961 looks really odd.
just curious. Thank you

jmar76

I am in need of some info on a 1939 liberty dime that has a reverse side of a wheat penny

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Jmar —

This sounds like a novelty coin of sorts that was machined together using a 1939 Liberty dime and a Lincoln wheat cent. Here’s some info on novelty coins that helps explain how coins like yours (similar to two-headed coins) are made: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2015/03/tokens.php

Harry Flo

I have a 1936 D wheat penny with an odd error, as far as I know I am the only one who has this error, take at look at the Y in liberty, and give me your feedback as to what you think may have caused this.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Harry —

For some reason the image isn’t opening. Would you please report that photo if possible?

Thank you!
Josh

Jenny Jimenez

can, some one help, i have 1938 Roosevelt dime, how much can is sell it for ? I know this is a mint error, maybe is a 1988….

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello,

Whereas no Roosevelt dimes were made until 1946, this sounds like it may be a 1988. What type of error does the coin seem to have?

Thanks for your question!

Harry Flo

Look at liberty on this 1944D is this of any value?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

It looks like the coin has received some extensive damage on the “LIBERTY” part of the coin, explaining the appearance. While the coin is worth roughly 3 cents, it’s an obsolete wheat type and still worth hanging onto. Thanks for checking!

Angel Savoie

I have a 1993 penny that is larger than normal in size and it sounds different if you drop it.. Do you know anything about it?

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Angel —

You’re likely describing a replica, of which I know of many, but I can’t say for sure without seeing an image of your coin in scale with a regular-sized penny. If you could provide a photo of your coin, please, that would be most helpful.

Thank you for your question,
Josh

Alan

This was in my mother’s coin collection when she passed away. I didn’t know she was that serious about her collection, but this penny is in a old, yellowed cardboard holder that says, “Broken Die/1919S/$1.00.”

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Alan —

We’re very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing…

As for this interesting coin, I’d be curious about its surfaces before making an evaluation. It would appear to me in the image that any die breakage may be on the obverse over Lincoln’s eye, but I can’t say for certain based on the image alone. The weakness of the surfaces is making it fairly difficult for me to say for certain the size and magnitude from the photo alone.

Best,
Josh

Alan

I’ll do a better scan today. I had “sharpness” turned on, and I think it distorted some of the detail. Thanks, and I’ll post it later on today…

Alan

Here’s a better scan…my scanner can see better than I can! It looks like the coin is just in very bad condition. And that die defect is definitely over Lincoln’s eye.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hello, Alan —

Yes, it appears the coin is substantially worn and may have even been struck weakly to begin with. As I take a better look at the obverse surface, I notice a chain of what looks like post-mint gouges in front of Lincoln’s nose and wonder if the defect over Lincoln’s eye might actually have been damage created from whatever straight-line damage caused the gouges in front of Lincoln’s nose.

-Josh

hotcupofjava

I found this coin on craigslist and wonder if this error has much value there is a space between the s and the t

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, “Java” —

I’ve seen Lincoln cents of various years with spacing issues like this between the letters. As far as I’ve always known, there isn’t any particular value difference for these types of minor design variances in most cases unless the coin in question is collected specifically for that said design variety, which does introduce a supply-demand issue.

hotcupofjava

Thanks I appreciate it

Tom

hello, I just found some very old coins in my grandmothers closet and there was a 1944 steel penny among about 35 other steel pennies. I tried weighing it but couldnt get my scale to calibrate correctly. I tried the magnet test and it was picked up very easily by the magnet. Could this coin possibly be real????

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

Hi, Tom —

It’s possible, but because there are so many counterfeits out there it would take much more than a magnet test to verify the authenticity of your coin. It would be important to determine the weight of that coin to come closer to a conclusion. What I suggest, if you’re willing, is to see if a coin authentication firm could give it a look. These services can cost anywhere from about $20 to $30 (which would be a bummer if your coin wasn’t the real McCoy), but are very reputable.

Ok, I can see this being a post mint damage. If you could take a closer look at it for me, because whatever this is on the outside if placed on it by a separate party than the mint it sure does not in any way move like it was put there. I’ve tried to dislodge the two and not the slightest budge. If you have the same conclusion as before I appreciate you taking another look and mean not to offend if you feel I’m second guessing you.

Scott Woods

I’m an idiot. It was a made into a necklace.

JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

You’re no idiot, Scott! At first glance, it could appear to be any number of possible things going on with this coin. Thanks for checking in though!

Catalina

Hi I found this penny 1973 d weight is 3.2

Essie Jay

that has a error on the back where it says eat pluribus unum its spelled you and you instead of you and us you know me in the back pranking you and you instead of new and um 1945 penny wheat pennies